Archives for October 7, 2001

Regier, who had originally expected a shorter-term deal, said it was the Rigas family that brought up the six-year offer. “It's tremendous confidence that they have in me, and it's a tremendous commitment on their part. Certainly it's a commitment that I take very seriously and I expect to fulfill it,” said Regier.

He's never going to swing Buffalo News writer Melissa Geschwind around by her hair and bang her head into a locker. He's never going to bolt from the ice during a playoff game and disappear into the night only to be found the next morning in an emergency room getting handcuffs cut off. And he's never going to show up for a press conference some day in a yellow cardigan rambling on about saving the endangered salamanders of Brazil.

The Buffalo Sabres new captain had to prove his worth Saturday night in HSBC Arena. Before the opening game of the season, Stu Barnes had been appointed as the new captain of the Sabres. Unfortunately for Barnes and his teammates, Buffalo could only muster 1 goal against the Atlanta Thrashers in a 2-1 defeat. This time, Barnes was determined to prove his merit. Barnes came through, just in the nick of time as he gave the Sabres a 3-2 lead against the Ottawa Senators with only 57 seconds remaining. The lead held and the Sabres beat the Buffalo Bills in recording their first victory of the season.

'"Last year, on more than one occasion, it was a difficult decision deciding between the two," centre Curtis Brown said. "When you start comparing players, it's not fair, and obviously everyone has to be very careful. Marty, for instance, is a lot younger, but he has great potential."'

'"The goaltending, obviously, at both ends of the ice was unbelievable," Barnes said. "We played strong in the third and there's no question that it's a great victory, coming back against such a good team. It's so hard to come back against them."'

'The Sabres announced Saturday that General Manager Darcy Regier has signed a new six-year contract. As per team policy, terms of the deal – which was signed sometime during the offseason – were not disclosed. Regier, who has held his post since June 11, 1997, said his own salary is in line with the team's famously frugal tendencies.'

'When Stu Barnes became Buffalo's first captain in 18 months Thursday, it was somewhat overlooked that Woolley had been defrocked. Rob Ray retained his "A," while Rhett Warrener became a permanent assistant in place of Woolley.'